- Voluntary buyback scheme to close at the end of this year
- Three-month grace period to be applied
Homeowners in Port Hedland's West End have the final chance to take up the Port Hedland Voluntary Buyback Scheme (PHVBS), with the initiative set to close at the end of this year.
A three-month grace period extending to 31 March 2026 will be allowed for settlement of sale agreements entered into before 31 December 2025.
Hedland Maritime Initiative (HMI), a subsidiary company of Pilbara Ports, has been acquiring properties under the Scheme.It now has almost 80 per cent of eligible properties purchased or in the process of being purchased.
The cessation of the scheme is in line with advice received from the joint industry/government PHVBS Steering Committee which has been overseeing the project.
The Port Hedland Voluntary Buyback Scheme was introduced as part of the government's response to the 2018 Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce Report. This initiative allows the State Government to acquire residential properties in the West End, helping to minimise land use conflicts between residents and port operations.
This success of the scheme means the government can now embark on the redevelopment of the West End precinct for non-residential activities under the terms of Port Hedland West End Improvement Scheme already in place.
The PHVBS Steering Committee will continue to operate as the project extends into these directions.
HMI will continue to manage the final acquisitions and ongoing maintenance of the acquired properties.
As stated by Regional Development and Ports Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The voluntary buyback scheme has resulted in nearly 80 per cent of eligible properties already purchased or in progress.
"We encourage homeowners in Port Hedland's West End to take advantage of this final opportunity and apply for the buyback scheme before it closes at the end of this year."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Port Hedland homeowners still have time to take advantage of this scheme, and I encourage you to do so.
"The Cook Government remains committed to ensuring Port Hedland and the Pilbara region remains a great place to live and work while also supporting economic development in the region."
